Senior Home Safety Checklist

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According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are a major health hazard for older Americans, causing 3 million emergency room visits and 1 million hospitalizations each year. The following is a checklist of suggested items when added or removed improve senior safety.

General Home Safety Tips

 Zero threshold entryways

 Non-skip treads on steps

 Sturdy seating throughout the home- ideally with supportive arms

 Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

 A stair chair lift or indoor elevator

https://www.acornstairlifts.com/stairlift/stairlift-straight-staircase

 Video sound equipment at the front door

Remove:

 Throw rugs.

 Wheels on chairs

 Standard doorknobs and replace with lever handles

 Loose carpeting 

 Any electric and cable cords that run across or near walkways.

 Clutter by donating or disposing of items that are no longer needed.

 Mark the top and bottom stair steps with colored tape or paint to make them easier to see

 Move furniture to create clear walking paths

 Ensure light switches are accessible by placing them no higher than 48 inches from the floor

 Replace toggle switches with rocker switches

 Improve overall lighting in the home

 Make sure trash receptacles are easily accessible from inside the home and can easily be brought out to the outside

 Consider repurposing a closet or other area on the ground floor into a laundry room when laundry machines are located on an upper floor or basement level

 Use video/ sound equipment at the front door

 Create an emergency escape plan

 Set the water heater to 120°F or lower

 Have any questions emergency escape plan

 Place a (reacher) grabber in every room

https://www.thewrightstuff.com/reaching-aids.html

Bathroom Safety Tips

 Multiple grab bars at strategic locations

 A sturdy handle grip that fits securely on the bathtub

 Bath safety chairs

 Bath pillows that support the head neck and upper back and stay securely in place

 Convert (install) your standard tub to a walk-in tub.

https://saferseniorcare.com/best-bathtub-safety-rails-for-elderly/

 Non -skid mats or surface sheets in shower or bath 

 Shower handles/grab bars.

 A shower transfer bench

 Shower chair 

 Handheld shower heads with a long sturdy cord

 An accessible shower stall that allows for transition from a wheelchair or Walker

 Grab bars and toilet rails.

 A toilet specifically manufactured for a disabled person

 Toilet safety rails

 A toilet lift

 In place of a toilet use a portable commode with a sturdy metal frame and removable container in the center 

 Purchase wipe assist tools

 Ensure toilet area is easily accessible.

 Clearly label hot and cold faucets

 Anti-scold devices

 Fit all cabinets with levers or pools rather than knobs.

 Toilet paper should be within convenient reach and have a toilet paper holder with grab bars

 Use a raised toilet seat

Kitchen Safety Tips

 Senior -friendly faucets (touchless faucets)

 Lever faucet handles

 large open countertops and or declutter existing countertops

 Improve kitchen organization and storage system with seniors in mind such as having lower storage shelves

 Transparent storage areas

 A grabber

 Put the microwave on the low countertop purchase appliances with auto shutoff features

 Clear the floor space for maneuvering

 Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors 

 An accessible  fire extinguisher

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